Stationery Frequently Asked Questions
Pen Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What pen is best for left-handed writers?
Answer: Ballpoint pens and quick-drying gel pens are best for left-handed writers. BIC ballpoint pens like BIC 4-Color, BIC Cristal BIC Round Stic, and BIC Glide all deliver smooth and consistent ink flow that dries quickly. If a gel pen is preferred, BIC Gel-ocity Quick Dry dries in as little as 5 seconds and delivers smooth, vibrant writing.
Question: What’s a good pen for students and exams?
Answer: BIC Round Stic or BIC Clic Stic ballpoints in black or blue ink meet the requirements for non-STEM AP exams and work well on SAT scratch paper.
Question: Which pen is best for journaling or bullet journaling?
Answer: BIC makes many pens that work well for journaling and bullet journaling depending on what you're looking for. BIC Cristal and Round Stic pens are long-lasting and deliver smooth, consistent ink. BIC 4-Color ballpoint pens allow for switching between 4 different ink colors with just one pen for easy color coding of lists and bullets. BIC Gelocity Quick Dry pens have smooth, vibrant ink that dries quickly and is smear-resistant. BIC Gelocity Quick Dry pens also come in 16 different colors to add color themes to junk journals and more.
Question: What pen is good for quick doodles and sketching?
Answer: BIC Intensity Fineliner, available in fine 0.4 mm and medium 0.7 mm points, creates crisp lines and shading; BIC 4-Color adds four ink colors in one pen for shading and depth; BIC Cristal and BIC Round Stic offer a classic feel for hatching.
Question: Are 4-Color pens worth it for note-taking?
Answer: Yes. BIC 4-Color lets you switch among four inks instantly for headings, definitions, and examples without carrying multiple pens. NY Mag notes that people love the 4-Color pen for "color-coding for work and organization."
Question: Fine tip vs. medium tip vs. bold tip: what should I choose?
Answer: Choose a fine 0.5mm tip like BIC Round Stic Fine for tight spaces, margins, grid paper, and detailed technical drawings, or a medium 0.7-1.0mm tip for everyday note-taking, lists, and bold, legible signatures. Medium point pens like BIC Round Stic, BIC 4-Color and BIC Cristal are all versatile everyday pens. Bold pens are great for writers who don't apply heavy pressure, so bold points like 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm, show up more on pages. NY Mag named BIC Glide Bold (formerly called BIC Velocity Bold) as their favorite bold ballpoint pen.
Question: Click pen vs capped pen: what’s better for meetings?
Answer: Click pens like BIC Glide or BIC Clic Stic offer fast one-handed use with no caps to lose, though clicking can distract others in quiet meetings. If you prefer a gel click pen, BIC Gelocity Quick Dry is a good choice. Capped pens like BIC Cristal or BIC Round Stic stay silent and protect the tip.
Question: Which pens dry fastest to prevent smearing?
Answer: BIC ballpoints such as Round Stic, Cristal, Glide, and Clic Stic dry quickly to resist smearing, and BIC Gel-ocity Quick Dry gel pens dry in as little as 5 seconds and resist smudging. NY Mag notes that BIC Gelocity Original pens have "minimal bleed-through and smudging."
Question: What’s the best affordable pen for office bulk buying?
Answer: BIC Round Stic or BIC Clic Stic are trusted, affordable choices for office bulk buying, delivering consistent everyday performance in every pack. Today.com named BIC Round Stic as the best affordable pick for pens.
Question: Which pen line has the widest color range for studying?
Answer: BIC Gel-ocity Quick Dry offers 16 ink colors, BIC Intensity Fineliner and BIC Cristal Xtra Bold each come in 10 colors, and BIC 4-Color combines 4 colors in one pen drawn from 10 available ink color options.
Question: Which pen resists bleeding through thin notebook pages?
Answer: A BIC ballpoint such as Round Stic, 4-Color, Cristal or Glide lays down less liquid to reduce bleeding and show-through.
Question: How do I stop pens from drying out or skipping?
Answer: Cap capped pens fully, click retractable tips when not in use, and store at room temperature. Start strokes with light pressure and a short scribble to re-prime.
Question: What’s a good pen for teachers grading papers?
Answer: BIC Round Stic, Cristal, 4-Color, and Gel-ocity all deliver smooth, long-lasting writing for grading papers, while BIC Round Stic Grip and Gel-ocity Quick Dry add comfort grips for extended grading sessions.
Question: Can I purchase the BIC Cristal Xtra Bold Pens in individual colors?
Answer: BIC Cristal Xtra Bold ballpoint pens are only sold in assorted color packs.
Question: Can I purchase the BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Gel Pens in individual colors?
Answer: Only blue and black ink are available individually. The other colors are sold in packages with assorted color inks.
Question: Is there a proper way to store a BIC Pen?
Answer: It’s not necessary to store a BIC pen with its point facing down. To help protect the writing point, always retract the tip of retractable pens or replace the cap on capped pens when they are not in use.
Question: Do you sell component parts for your products, such as the pen caps or barrels?
Answer: We do not sell component parts to any of our products. We only sell the finished goods.
Mechanical Pencil Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are mechanical pencils better than wooden pencils?
Answer: It depends on the task. One BIC mechanical pencil holds as much lead as 2.5 wooden pencils, delivering consistent line width, clean erasing and no sharpening required. Wooden pencils are simple but need regular sharpening. For everyday writing and schoolwork, most people prefer the convenience of BIC mechanical pencils.
Question: Which pencil is best for standardized tests?
Answer: Check the test rules first, since many exams still require No. 2 wooden pencils for scoring. Where mechanical pencils are allowed (including for scratch paper for STEM-focused AP exams) a BIC mechanical with HB No. 2 lead and a 0.7 mm medium tip delivers smooth writing, clean erasing and fast, dark marks without needing sharpening.
Question: What pencil works best for kids who press hard?
Answer: BIC 0.9 mm Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils or BIC Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil, which features an advanced shock-absorption mechanism and lead that's 75% stronger than the leading competitor. Thicker leads resist breakage when grip pressure is high.
Question: What’s the difference between 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm?
Answer: - Use 0.5 mm points like BIC Xtra Precision for extra neat, small handwriting and fine graphs
- Use 0.7 mm points like BIC Xtra Smooth, Xtra Sparkle, Xtra Smooth Pastel, Xtra Comfort, Velocity Original, Velocity Max, and Break Resistant pencils give a balanced feel for everyday writing and notes
- Use 0.9 mm points like BIC Xtra Strong and BIC Velocity Original for stronger lines that are great for heavy writers and Kindergarten through 5th grade elementary student use
BIC also offers multi-packs that include all three point sizes.
Question: What’s a good pencil for drawing and shading on the go?
Answer: A BIC mechanical pencil in 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm works well for drawing and shading on the go. Use the 0.5 mm tip for fine detail and hatching in sketchbooks or travel journals, and the 0.7 mm tip for quick shading and bolder gestures when sketching outdoors or on the move. Carry a few extra HB leads and blend tones with a tissue or your finger for smooth shading anywhere.
Question: Which pencils are most comfortable for long writing sessions?
Answer: BIC Xtra Comfort, Break Resistant, Velocity Original and Velocity Max all feature cushioned, comfortable grips for long writing sessions. Pair any of them with 0.7 mm HB leads for a smooth, consistent feel.
Question: What’s the simplest pencil that just doesn’t break?
Answer: BIC Xtra-Strong in 0.9 mm or the BIC Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil are built to last, with minimal moving parts, sturdy lead and a reliable click mechanism that won't jam or fuss. They're a solid choice for anyone who just wants a pencil that keeps working without extra care.
Question: Best mechanical pencil for graphing and geometry?
Answer: BIC Xtra Precision in 0.5 mm or BIC Velocity Original in 0.7 mm with a firm tip both work well for graphing and geometry. Xtra Precision's 0.5 mm tip is ideal for precise grid work and angles, while Velocity Original's 0.7 mm tip holds up better if you press hard on rulers and templates.
Question: What lead size should I buy for neat handwriting?
Answer: If your writing is small, choose 0.5 mm. For average-size notes, choose 0.7 mm. If you tend to press hard or write big, 0.9 mm keeps lines clean without snapping.
Question: How do I keep mechanical pencil lead from breaking?
Answer: Advance only a small amount of lead, keep the pencil at a moderate angle, and use steady pressure. Choose a thicker lead (0.7 mm or 0.9 mm) if you press hard, or reach for the BIC Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil, which uses lead that's has an advanced shock-absorption mechanism to help prevent breakage and 75% stronger lead than the leading competitor -- all from the #1 mechanical pencil brand in the United States.
Question: How do I refill lead without jams?
Answer: Match the exact diameter (0.5, 0.7, 0.9) and use HB No. 2 lead. Insert 1–2 sticks at a time through the back tube under the eraser, then click to feed. Do not mix sizes or overfill.
Question: How do I stop pencil tips from poking through my bag?
Answer: Retract the lead fully before packing. If your model includes a protective cap, use it. If a small lead stub remains, click once to release, press the tip against paper to seat it, then stow.
Question: How do I fix a mechanical pencil that won’t advance lead?
Answer: Remove the eraser, take out any loose lead, and gently clear the feed tube with a straight pin or spare lead. Reinsert the correct-size lead, tap to settle, then click several times. If it still sticks, empty the chamber, check for mixed sizes, and refill with fresh HB lead.
Question: Do you offer lead refills for your mechanical pencils?
Answer: We offer a 90-count pack of 0.7mm lead refills. They are sold by Staples and Amazon. These leads refills will fit all 0.7mm BIC Mechanical Pencils. However, if you have a BIC Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil, those refills are sold by Amazon or Walmart.
Question: Do you offer eraser refills for your mechanical pencils?
Answer: Eraser refills come with in BIC lead refill packs. They are not sold on their own separately
Question: How do you refill the BIC Break Resistant Mechanical Pencils?
Answer: To refill the BIC Break Resistant mechanical pencil please follow these steps:
- Step 1: Pull the top section of the pencil off by holding the barrel with the clip
- Step 2: Insert new leads. Do not add more than 3 leads.
- Step 3: Replace the top section of the pencil
- Step 4: Click side click mechanism to advance new lead
Wite-Out Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What’s the best way to fix handwritten mistakes quickly?
Answer: BIC Wite-Out Brand Correction Tape. It is dry, covers instantly, and you can write over it right away. No waiting, no smearing.
Question: What should I use to cover printed typos without reprinting?
Answer: For a single word or line, use BIC Wite-Out Brand EZ Correct Correction Tape. For larger blocks of text, use BIC Wite-Out Brand Quick Dry Correction Fluid for smooth, opaque coverage.
Question: What’s the difference between correction tape, correction fluid, and correction pens?
Answer: - Tape (BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct, BIC Wite-Out Exact Liner): Dry, instant write-over, clean edges, great for everyday notes and forms.
- Fluid (BIC Wite-Out Quick Dry Correction Fluid): Brush-on paint style, most opaque, best for larger areas. Requires dry time.
- Pen (BIC Wite-Out Correction Pen): Precision tip with controllable flow, perfect for small characters and tight fields.
Question: How do I fix mistakes on forms without making a mess?
Answer: Choose the BIC Wite-Out Brand Shake n' Squeeze or the BIC Wite-Out Exact Liner, both featuring a fine, needle-like tip that places coverage exactly inside boxes and next to printed lines without spreading.
Question: What correction option won’t wrinkle thin paper?
Answer: BIC Wite-Out Brand Correction Tape. It sits on top of the page, so thin sheets stay flat.
Question: Are mini correction tapes as durable as full-size?
Answer: Yes. BIC Wite-Out Brand Mini Correction Tape is compact for pencil cases and bags and built for everyday use. It holds less tape than full-size options like BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct (33.9 feet) or BIC Wite-Out Exact Liner (19.6 feet), but it's designed for consistent coverage in a portable, smaller size.
Question: What correction solution is best for left-handers?
Answer: BIC Wite-Out Exact Liner, BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct Grip, BIC Wite-Out Mini Twist or Quick Dry fluid. Tape is instant and smear resistant. If you prefer fluid, Quick Dry shortens the window where smearing can happen.
Question: How do I stop correction tape from tearing or skipping?
Answer: Use a shallow angle, start the tape just before the error, apply light, steady pressure, and lift off while the tape is still moving forward.
Question: How do I get correction fluid to apply smoothly without streaks?
Answer: Shake the bottle, wipe excess from the brush, and use two thin coats rather than one heavy coat. Let the first coat dry fully before adding the second. Keep the brush tip clean by wiping it on the bottle rim.
Question: Will correction products work on colored or glossy paper?
Answer: They can, but results vary. Tape often adheres well to matte paper but may be more visible. Fluid and pens may bead on glossy stock. Test in a corner first. Lightly scuffing glossy paper with a clean eraser can improve adhesion.
Question: How do I keep lines straight when applying tape?
Answer: Line up the applicator with the page ruling, keep a steady wrist, and pull in one continuous motion. For long corrections, use the notebook margin or a straightedge as a guide and lift at a slight angle for a clean finish.
Question: Do you offer your Wite-Out brand correction fluids in other colors besides white?
Answer: The BIC Wite-Out Correction products (fluids, pens and tapes) are only available in white.
Question: How do you fix the Wite-Out Exact Liner Correction Tape if too much tape comes out?
Answer: If the tape becomes loose, turn the self winding wheel in direction of the arrow on the product until the tape becomes tight on the top
Question: How do you fix the Wite-Out EZ Correct Grip Correction Tape if too much tape comes out?
Answer: This product has a self winding mechanism. If the tape becomes loose, turn the self winding wheel in the direction of the arrow on the product until tape becomes right on tip
Question: How do you fix the Wite-Out EZ Mini Twist Correction Tape if too much tape comes out?
Answer: This product has a self winding mechanism. If the tape becomes loose, turn the self winding wheel in a clockwise direction until tape becomes tight on top
Question: How do you fix the Wite-Out ECOlutions Correction Tape if too much tape comes out?
Answer: If the tape becomes loose, turn the self winding wheel in direction of the arrow on the product until the tape becomes tight on the top
Question: How do you fix the Wite-Out EZ Correct if too much tape comes out?
Answer: Follow these directions:
- Step 1: Press nose of the tape firmly on the paper
- Step 2: Make a slow motion towards the right
- Step 3: Repeat until tape rewinds
Marker Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What’s the best marker for classroom whiteboards?
Answer: BIC Intensity Low Odor Dry Erase Markers and BIC Intensity Advanced Dry Erase Markers both suit classroom whiteboards. Intensity Advanced offers bold, vivid colors, a visible ink supply, and writes cleanly on whiteboards, mirrors, and glass in 12 colors — great for color-coding notes, brainstorms, and homework. Pick chisel tips for big, readable lines and bullet or fine tips for student work and smaller boards, and use dark colors for visibility.
Question: Which markers work on glass, stainless steel, and plastic?
Answer: BIC Intensity Permanent Markers write on metal, coated paper, plastic bins and containers, wood, glass, and even oily or damp surfaces, making them ideal for garages, warehouses, and outdoor labeling where writing needs to stay put. For temporary notes you want to wipe away, use BIC Intensity Dry Erase Markers on non-porous glass and stainless steel.
Question: How do I choose between permanent and dry erase markers?
Answer: Use permanent when you need durable, water-resistant marks on boxes, tools, plastics, or outdoor labels. Use dry erase for non-porous surfaces like whiteboards and glass where clean erasing is required.
Question: What markers are best for color-coding notes and planners?
Answer: BIC Intensity Permanent Markers, available in 36 colors with ultra fine or fine tips, work well for color-coding notes and planners. Use the ultra fine tip for small tabs, sticky notes, and tight planner boxes, and the fine tip for labeling plastic dividers and writing slightly larger notes.
Question: What markers are best for craft projects and DIY décor?
Answer: BIC Intensity Permanent Markers suit crafting and DIY projects like poster boards, wood signs, plastic ornaments, and canvas art. Metallic BIC Intensity colors pop on dark paper and card stock for gift wrap and scrapbooking. They resist drying out even if left uncapped for up to two weeks, so you can set them down mid-project without needing to recap every time. Test first on porous materials.
Question: What’s the best marker for writing on freezer bags and food containers?
Answer: BIC Intensity Permanent Markers. Write on the smooth label area, allow a brief dry time, and avoid rubbing until set. Do not mark directly on food.
Question: Which markers bleed least through notebook paper?
Answer: Use BIC Intensity Permanent Markers in ultra fine or fine tip with light pressure, and stick to thicker paper when possible. Dry erase is not intended for paper and can smear or transfer.
Question: Are metallic or pastel markers worth it for craft lettering?
Answer: Yes. BIC Intensity Metallic Permanent Markers provide opaque accents that show on light and dark papers. Pastel shades are helpful for layered titles and color-coding. BIC Dual Tip Pastel Markers and BIC Brite Liner Pastel Highlighters are perfect for achieving that effect.
Question: What’s the best marker set for teachers?
Answer: A large pack of BIC Intensity Low Odor Dry Erase Markers or BIC Intensity Advanced Dry Erase Markers in assorted dark colors for visibility, plus several fine or bullet tips for students and small boards. Intensity Advanced adds better erasability and a visible ink supply so teachers can see when markers need replacing. Add a few BIC Intensity Permanent Markers for labeling bins and supplies.
Question: How do whiteboard markers compare for cap-off time?
Answer: Cap-off tolerance varies by environment and tip size. BIC Intensity Dry Erase Markers are low odor and designed for classroom use, but you should recap whenever you step away to maintain tip moisture and extend life.
Question: How do I remove permanent marker from non-porous surfaces?
Answer: Try isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth. Another trick is to write over the mark with a BIC dry erase marker and wipe immediately. Avoid abrasives that can scratch plastic or glass.
Question: How do I prevent whiteboard ghosting and staining?
Answer: Erase completely after use, avoid leaving writing on boards for days, and clean regularly with a whiteboard cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Use dark BIC Intensity Dry Erase colors for visibility and recap promptly.
Question: How should I store markers so they last longer?
Answer: Keep caps on tightly, store at room temperature, and lay markers horizontally to help distribute ink. Avoid heat, freezing, and long exposure to direct sun. BIC Intensity Permanent Markers are formulated to last longer than the leading competitor.
Question: What’s the best way to refresh a marker that seems dry?
Answer: Recap firmly and let it rest vertically with the tip down so ink flows toward the tip. For dry erase, prime the tip with a few strokes on a clean whiteboard. For permanent markers, scribble on scrap to re-ink the tip. If lines remain faint after these steps, replace the marker.
Highlighters Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What’s the best highlighter for textbooks and study notes?
Answer: BIC Brite Liner with a chisel tip lays down bold, even color, and the chisel edge lets you switch between thick and thin strokes for headings and line-by-line notes. For long study sessions, BIC Brite Liner Pastel offers softer colors that are easier on the eyes.
Question: What colors are best for color-coding notes?
Answer: Suggestion: yellow for key ideas, pink for definitions, blue for examples, green for formulas or dates, and orange for to-dos. Keep one neutral (yellow) plus two accents to avoid visual overload.
Question: What highlighter works on thin planner pages?
Answer: BIC Brite Liner Pastel, used with light pressure, works well on thin planner pages. Pastel inks are less saturated, which helps reduce show-through on thin paper.
Question: What highlighter is best for teaching and grading?
Answer: BIC Brite Liner chisel in dark, high-contrast colors (yellow, blue, green, orange). The broad edge reads clearly from a distance; the point edge lets you underline student work precisely.
Question: What’s a good highlighter for bullet journals?
Answer: BIC Brite Liner Pastel is great for soft headers, trackers, and color blocks that won't shout over your layout, while BIC Brite Liner in fluorescent colors adds bold pops for key dates or priority tasks. Use the chisel point for boxes and the tip for fine lines.
Question: Which highlighters resist smearing on left-handed writing?
Answer: Use BIC Brite Liner over ballpoint pen notes, or allow gels/ballpoints to dry fully before your hand passes over them.
Question: Are there highlighters that won’t bleed on Bible-thin pages?
Answer: Bleeding depends on paper. Use BIC Brite Liner Pastel with the light pressure, or underline with chisel point of the highlighter to add small pastel accents instead of full swipes.
Question: How do I stop highlighters from drying out?
Answer: Cap firmly between uses, store flat or tip-down for a few minutes before long sessions, and avoid heat or direct sun. BIC Brite Liner highlighters are formulated to resist drying out even if left uncapped for up to 8 hours.
Question: Which colors are most legible on photocopies and scans?
Answer: On black-and-white copies, yellow may disappear. Blue and green often scan best, with orange also performing well. Test your scanner settings if you need archived notes.
Question: How do I revive a highlighter that looks faint?
Answer: Recap and rest tip-down for 10–15 minutes, then prime with a few strokes on scrap paper. If the line is still weak, the ink is likely depleted; replace the highlighter.
Question: How should I combine pen and highlighter without smearing?
Answer: Write with ballpoint for instant highlighting, or let gel/rollerball ink dry fully before one light, single pass of BIC Brite Liner. If you prefer gel pens, BIC Gel-ocity Quick Dry dries in as little as 5 seconds, reducing wait time before highlighting. Avoid going back-and-forth with the highlighter, which re-wets ink.